Precarious Pug Procurement
1 Feb
For a few months now, I’ve wanted a new little life in my house. I love Spaz, but she’s a cat and prone to do cat-like things. She curls up with me when she feels like it, she lets me know when her food bowl is empty, but her very existence doesn’t depend on mine.
What Type of Dog?
A dog is a very different type of companion. Toy dogs are bred for just the sort of companionship I desire. They follow you around from room to room, they love to snuggle and be held, and generally they live to please you.
What’s best is that I have the time to commit to having a dog of that type. I have the room for a small dog, and would love the extra exercise that comes with an animal.
Could you say 'no' to that face?
My criteria were simple:
- Under 25 pounds.
- Not a Chihuahua.
- No excessive daily grooming.
- Won’t eat my cat.
- Won’t have the cat eat it.
- Must love people.
- Enjoys being carted around.
- Not a Chihuahua. I hate Chihuahuas.
Squished Face It Is!
Pugs are a natural, wonderful choice. They’re like having a little rancor on a leash. They love people, they love other animals, and they are inclined to be doted on.
What are you looking at?
Like any animal, they have their downsides. Their eyes, while expressive and adorable, are prone to damage. Choke collars that are too tight and sudden smacks on the back of the head can bug out the poor animals eyes. Their face requires special attention as the wrinkles can get infected easily without the proper care. They snore, gads, do they snore…
Despite all this, I think that a pug would be a wonderful addition to my family. Thankfully, Spaz is not prone to clawing people or animals deliberately, and I’ve recently purchased awesome little cat claw caps for her.
How could you say no to a face like that?
The First Attempt
Against my better judgement, I popped into a pet store. This little trip confirmed everything that I feared about pet stores.
There was something wrong with the pug’s tail. That should have been my first cue to walk out of the pet store then and there. Unlike the characteristic tail, she carried hers low. It should have been held up tight against her hindquarters.
Rescue dogs need love, too.
The individual in charge of overseeing me with the pug seemed more interested in leaving me alone with her than a supervised visit. It was their policy that really nailed the “no” for me.
You spend $1400. They don’t care what your home is like… They don’t ask you if you have other pets, if you have children, if you have other pets, or if you will be moving soon. They aren’t even particularly worried if you will keep the animal forever. They give you 24 hours to know whether the animal will be right for you and your home… and keep half of the money if you want to return it.
Is this any way to find a pet?
Off to find a real breeder or to go rescue one from a shelter. Bastards. Now, it’s too bad that I’m torn between finding a pug who has been abandoned or a new puppy.
Pet Stores are evil. End of story.
Personally I recommend shelter pets because they need love too. Pretty much all the pets I’ve ever had were either rescued (from shelters or bad situations). There were … 4 maybe, in the last 3 generations of Ipstenus, that were ‘bred’ pets (my gran used to have dachshunds, but I think that started as a rescue). We’ve had some crazy dogs, some lovely dogs, and some stupid dogs. But if you love them and treat them right, in the end it won’t matter where you got it from. They will love you back.
So yeah, shelters. Save a dog. A lot of the pet shop pups end up there in the end
I’m with you on the whole Chihauhau thing, I dislike those dogs with a fiery passion as well. Not sold on pugs, but everyone has their needs and wants for sure. My wife and I however are sold on the Humane society. I think all of our animals will come from there – most of them have (save one which was a kitten adoption by me). I seriously dislike breeders and puppy mills. I see no reason for them given how many animals there are out there that are in need of adoption. That’s my personal preference, but I think a good one.
@Ipstenu
I may end up going with one of the rescue organizations. APARN seems to have younger dogs every once in a while. I’d like as long as possible with my new friend. Also, the younger the animal is the more likely it is to get along with Spaz or at least get used to her.
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@Warner
You have no idea how much I hate those little crap machines.
The problem is, you run into an interesting predicament. If there are no breeders, the various animals will stop existing. How many people do you know that don’t spay or neuter their animals?
These are VERY different from people who are considered puppy mills. The breeders care very much about how the animal is treated and where it lives. My father got our scottie from a breeder and the experience was very good. The lady apparently only had litters every two to three years, and even then only when there were enough wanting, approved households. Her animals were very important to her.
I think the problem stems more from the irresponsible acquisition of pets. If that weren’t the case, then the places like the Humane society would only have strays. The families that lost the pets would be searching for them, as well. They’d be no more than a lost and found.
Yeah, I know. Personally I don’t think I will need a “specific” breed, but who knows I do love Huskies. I agree on the breeders (for the most part), of course one bad one gives them all a bad reputation.
I adore huskies, but I can’t really consider having them in this weather… or in an apartment.